Saint Blaise was a bishop in Sebastea in Armenia who was martyred under the reign of Licinius in the early fourth century. According to tradition, Blaise was arrested and thrown into prison. While there, he ministered to his fellow prisoners, and one day saved a child who was choking to death on a fish bone. This miracle led to the Church’s custom of blessing of throats on Saint Blaise’s feast day, February 3rd. Two candles are blessed, held slightly open, and pressed against the throat as the blessing is said. Saint Blaise was beheaded in 316.
Prayer to Saint Blaise for Healing of Throat Ailments